Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Soul Bender by Robyn Jones Review and Giveaway

How much can a soul take before it breaks? Anna Pierce has a vampire boyfriend, a driver's license, real friends for the first time since she was five, and now she faces one of her biggest challenges, senior year at a mostly all girls Catholic high school. Sure, she's a member of the talking crowd now, but she'll never be like everyone else. How can she when the first of her kind has camped out in her dreams? Little dead girl Emily decides Anna's destiny can wait no longer. It's time for this generation's Touched girl to hunt. Trained in a virtual dream landscape to destroy all in her path, Anna must choose between her destiny, the one beat into her on a nightly basis, and her legacy, the one instilled in her by her parents. Along the way, old enemies remain dutifully obsessed, new foes lurk in the shadows, and odd Little Duckie Anna Pierce sets out to be social.

Who is the new guy?

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

The Good

Actually, there is more than one new guy and each are as different as pickles from pancakes.

I'm a big fan of the new additions in this book. Jones is great at creating characters. You love them and hate them accordingly. Although, Anna may disagree a little bit as she can always find something good in everyone.

Anna is a shining star. I wish I could glow as brightly as she does. Jones takes her personal outlook on autism and applies it to this magnificent character. Anna was diagnosed with autism at a young age and what that means to the reader is a unique experience in the mind of someone both simple and complex in ways that differ from the average Joe. She attracts guys like honey to this glimmer and with her quirks so she becomes quite a kissing girl in this one.

Also, Anna is put through the ringer in Soul Bender and I was excited to watch her progress. Since she thinks so differently from me, it's natural that she would react in situations differently as well. The plot was exciting and colorful. I enjoyed every element. I can't wait to see where this series goes in the future.

The Bad

I said this with Soul Walker, and it's the same here. What is 'bad' actually ended up making me like it more. That is, in the beginning of the book, it takes me some time to become acquainted with Anna's mind and the shine she possesses because she is such a unique individual. Also to note there are a few grammar flaws, but not enough that it detracted from my reading.

The Romance

I can't really say a lot about the romance without getting too spoilerly, but suffice to say that she is a beautiful person inside and out and thankfully others see that as well. There are some good romantic moments to be found.

Conclusion

All in all, a great book. I loved the new character additions and the further development of the characters I grew to love in the first one. Jones created Anna as such a warm character that is easy to fall in love with. I can't wait to see what happens next. Definitely recommended.

Excerpts

“Are you trying not to give me information? Or is cryptic your only way of communicating?""More than that, there was a level of confidence in his voice, as if he knew I wouldn't protest. It made me want to.""The newly developed snarky side of my personality wanted to tell him 'There's no crying in vamp battles.'"

About Robyn Jones:

I'm the mom of two hardcore boys. My oldest trained me to be matter-of-fact, no frills. My youngest wants the whole singsongy sweet package. Thank goodness for reading and writing because they are my sanity makers. I know life is all about the journey, that's why I like my fiction to be all about the destination. I want to be taken somewhere not here when I read, same goes with the stories I create. Thrills, chills, tears, and laughter, but there has to be something to hold on to at the end.

Fantastic review, Jaclyn! You already know my thoughts :) but I think you are, perhaps, more succinct than me. LOL I appreciate your description of Anna's glow - it's true, she does glow! I love that people are drawn to her glow. And she certainly is a kissy one in this book. *sigh* Thanks so very much for introducing me to this series. I LOVE it and I can't wait for the next one.

Jaclyn Canada is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.